Shaker cabinets have become an increasingly popular cabinet style in recent years. Known for their simple and minimalist design, shaker cabinets offer a timeless and versatile look that works well in a variety of kitchen settings. However, due to their simple styling, some homeowners wonder whether shaker cabinets come across as looking “cheap” rather than high-end. There are several factors that impact how luxurious or inexpensive shaker cabinets appear. With the right design choices and materials, it is absolutely possible to make shaker cabinets look elegant, upscale and far from cheap.
What are Shaker Cabinets?
Shaker cabinets get their name from the Shaker religious movement of the 1700s and 1800s. The Shakers valued simplicity, functionality and craftsmanship in their furniture and cabinetry. Today’s shaker style cabinets reflect those same principles in their design.
Some key characteristics of shaker cabinets include:
- Simple flat slab doors with a square or rectangular shape.
- Door fronts are flat without recessed panels or decorative moldings.
- Door fronts usually have a woodgrain pattern versus being painted.
- Minimal hardware such as plain cabinet pulls or knobs.
- Cabinets have a simple boxy shape rather than ornate details.
While shaker cabinets embrace simplicity, there is still room for variation and customization in materials, finishes, hardware and accents. Attention to those details is key in avoiding a “cheap” look.
Factors That Impact the Perceived Quality of Shaker Cabinets
Several factors work together to determine whether shaker cabinets appear high-end and luxurious or cheap and flimsy. Careful selection of these elements can enable even simple shaker cabinets to look like premium custom cabinetry.
Materials
Using high-quality solid wood rather than engineered wood or laminates can make a huge difference in cabinet durability and aesthetics. While natural wood grains add richness, laminates may look obviously artificial or repetitive. Solid woods like maple, oak, alder and cherry inherently communicate quality craftsmanship.
Construction and Finish Work
Precision manufacturing and assembly along with excellent finish sanding and preparation lead to a clean finished look. Signs of cheap construction include uneven gaps, misaligned doors and drawers, loose hinges and hardware. Smooth properly finished cabinets look meticulously cared for versus mass-produced.
Door Style
Basic flat slab doors can be upgraded with subtle profiles like inset bevels or scooped edges for shadow lines. Drawer fronts can sport unique wood grain patterns. Custom design elements make shaker cabinets look bespoke and thoughtfully detailed.
Finish and Stain
The finish and stain color pack a huge visual punch. For a high-end look, steer clear of paint-grade cabinets. Mid-tone natural wood stains look lush while dark espresso stains feel sophisticated. Understated glazes can add just enough modeling. Distressed stains should be avoided as they appear worn and dated.
Hardware
Swapping out basic hardware for more distinctive knobs and pulls transforms shaker cabinets. Look for higher quality materials like solid brass and go for handles with shape and form rather than plain mushroom knobs. Matte black and oil-rubbed bronze offer a crisp modern touch.
Accent Details
Small flourishes like framed end panels on peninsulas, accent lighting inside glass cabinets, upgraded molding trims, or open shelving can provide just enough detail without detracting from the shaker style.
Kitchen Layout and Design
A cohesive kitchen design with thoughtful storage solutions, roomy counters and high-end appliances prevents shaker cabinets from feeling out of place. They should fit seamlessly into the overall kitchen aesthetic. An expansive kitchen island also shows off cabinets to their full advantage.
With all of the above factors properly addressed, shaker cabinets absolutely can convey an air of sophisticated luxury rather than bargain basics.
Tips for Making Shaker Cabinets Look Expensive
If your goal is upscale shaker cabinets, keep these tips in mind:
- Select cabinets constructed from solid maple, cherry, walnut or oak. Stay away from low-cost woods like poplar or pine.
- Opt for a wood stain in a rich medium-to-darker shade versus a painted finish which can look flat. Add glazing for extra dimension.
- Incorporate glass cabinet doors or open shelving in strategic spots to break up solid slab fronts.
- Upgrade standard cabinet doors with beveled or scooped edges for shadow lines.
- Choose wide oversized drawer pulls or unique shaped knobs in an eye-catching finish like matte black or oil-rubbed bronze.
- Hide visible functional hardware like hinges or cabinet catches to simplify the look.
- Add refinements like framed end panels, moulding trims, custom inserts or accent lighting for a custom feel.
- Invest in premium kitchen appliances and countertops so the whole space looks cohesive and high-end.
- Use interior organizational fittings like pull-out shelves, spice drawers, and Lazy Susans.
- Select materials like quartz or marble for an expensive backsplash.
- Include an attention-grabbing oversized kitchen island for a furniture aesthetic.
With strategic upgrades in the right places, shaker cabinets can rival even the most ornate and detailed cabinetry in look and perceived value.
Are Shaker Cabinets Actually Cheap?
While some people may perceive them as basic and inexpensive, quality shaker cabinets made by reputable manufacturers are far from cheap. Here are a few points on the cost of shaker style cabinets:
- Fixed costs – As with any cabinetry, underlying costs for materials and labor for proper manufacturing and finishing apply to shaker cabinets as well. These are baked into the final pricing.
- Quality materials – Using solid wood, high-end finishes and durable surfaces costs more than lower-grade materials even if the design is straightforward.
- Trend premium – The growing popularity of shaker cabinets makes them more desirable. Trendier styles will command somewhat of a premium.
- Custom capabilities – Shaker cabinets are very customizable which allows for upper-end upgrades. Custom work is inherently more expensive.
- Simplified installation – The simple slab shape can reduce installation time versus intricate cabinets. But quality manufacturing offsets this.
- Economies of scale – Some larger cabinet manufacturers may benefit from economies of scale. But smaller custom shops lack this pricing advantage.
When comparing quotes between manufacturers, quality and material differences account for pricing variations more so than design simplicity. Well-made custom shaker cabinets are comparable in cost to other premium cabinet lines, especially when upgrades are added.
Cost Factors:
- Type of materials: solid wood versus engineered wood or laminates
- Door style and construction method
- Type of finish: stain, paint, glaze
- Quantity and size of cabinets needed
- Accessories like drawers, rollouts, dividers
- Special storage fittings like pullouts and organizers
- Complexity of cabinet shapes like angled cabinets
- Included moldings, trims and custom details
- Brand name and manufacturing quality
For the highest quality, expect to invest $150-$400 per linear foot installed, similar to other top-tier cabinetry.
Common Questions and Concerns About Shaker Cabinets
For homeowners debating whether to install shaker style cabinets, several common questions often arise. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Are shaker cabinets boring?
Shaker cabinets allow the beauty of natural wood to take center stage rather than ornate details. Their clean look gives flexibility to work in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Smart choices in finish, hardware and accents keep them from appearing bland or boring.
Do shaker cabinets look dated?
When done well, shaker style cabinets have a timeless appeal rather than looking trendy. Their simplicity keeps them from appearing dated. Modern takes with darker stains, black hardware and mixed materials feel fresh.
Do shakers limit personal style?
The simplicity and rectangular slab fronts provide a versatile base for customization and personalization. Unique hardware, moulding, inset panels, glass doors and finish colors allow ample room to reflect personal taste.
Why choose shaker over traditional cabinets?
For those who favor a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic, shaker cabinets provide that streamlined look without appearing cold. Their tapered frameless design maximizes interior space.
Are shaker cabinets going out of style?
If anything, shaker cabinets are increasing rather than waning in popularity. Their versatile look has timeless staying power. Simple shapes mixed with current colors and finishes prevent them from becoming outdated.
Do shakers show dirt and wear?
Like any cabinet finish, dirt, grime and wear will show over time. However, their simple slab fronts are easy to clean. Mid-tone wood stained cabinets hide dirt better than painted cabinets.
Are shaker cabinets worth the investment?
Quality wood shaker cabinets are comparable in cost to other premium cabinetry. Given their versatility, clean look and customization potential, they offer excellent value for the investment. Their simple style also holds resale value.
Achieving an Expensive, Luxury Look
Homeowners looking to achieve a high-end, bespoke look with their shaker cabinets have many options for taking them to the next level. Some ideas include:
Mix Natural Wood Finishes
Combining light and dark stains, multi-tone glazes or accent woods adds compelling contrast and visual depth. Try lighter cabinets against a dark stained island or add walnut accents to oak cabinetry.
Incorporate Architectural Details
Thick moulding trims, framed accent panels and inverted corners lend unique character without sacrificing simplicity. Customize end panels with glass cabinets or open shelving.
Choose Impactful Hardware
Swap basic knobs for eye-catching cup or bin pulls in blackened steel, oil rubbed bronze or satin brass. Go for large-scale handles or choose hardware with interesting shapes, lines and forms.
Upgrade Spice Drawers and Organizers
Thoughtfully designed inserts, dividers and storage solutions improve functionality. Custom spice drawers, knife blocks, and pull-out shelving look bespoke.
Use Premium Countertops and Backsplashes
A marble, quartz or granite backsplash and countertop elevate the whole kitchen. High-end surfaces make shaker cabinets feel even more luxe.
Add Architectural Moldings
Frame ceilings with architectural beams or millwork. Custom crown moulding or accent trim along the top of shaker cabinets adds graceful detail.
Illuminate with Lighting
Consider lighting in glass door cabinets, under cabinets, or above open shelving. Sconces flanking a kitchen hood create a focal point.
Buy the Best Appliances
Invest in top-tier professional appliances from brands like Wolf, Miele or SubZero. High-end appliances combined with shaker cabinets telegraph quality.
With thoughtful care to the materials, accents, surfaces and layout, shaker style cabinets can absolutely take on an expensive, upscale look perfect for even the most discerning homeowner. The simplicity provides the ideal canvas to add customized details for a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Shaker Cabinet Ideas
Here are some inspiring ways to customize shaker cabinets for a high-end look:
Rich Wood Grain
Showcase beautiful wood grains like rift-cut oak or quartersawn maple. Allow the natural patterns and depth to shine.
Blackened Steel Hardware
Sleek straight pulls in blackened steel look especially modern against lighter cabinets.
Natural Stone Backsplash
Carrara marble, travertine or quartzite backsplashes complement the simplicity.
Glass Cabinet Doors
Frosted or textured glass doors showcase dishware while adding dimension.
Contrast Island
A dark-stained island makes lighter perimeter cabinets pop.
Architectural End Panels
Framed end panels on peninsulas or accent walls provide interest.
Matte Black Hardware
Large scale matte black pulls make a sophisticated statement.
Unique Wood Stains
Smoke, charcoal or ebony stains lend a dramatic, sophisticated look.
With an endless array of materials, colors, styles and layouts, shaker cabinets offer incredible possibilities to create your personalized dream kitchen. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring or basic. Done right, shaker cabinets exude luxury, quality and timeless appeal.
Conclusion
Do shaker style cabinets look cheap? With careful attention to design and detailing, shaker cabinets can look every bit as upscale, high-end and customized as more ornate cabinet styles. While their pared-down styling embraces simplicity, simplicity need not equate to lower quality or inexpensive materials. When thoughtfully constructed from solid woods with excellent craftsmanship and finished with refined details, shaker cabinets convey an air of understated and sophisticated luxury. They provide a blank slate to layer in custom accents that reflect personal taste and complement the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. For homeowners who appreciate minimalism with room to add individual flair, quality wood shaker cabinets offer an excellent blend of form and function. With an expansive kitchen island, premium surfaces and appliances, and upgrades like unique hardware and moulding profiles, shaker cabinets can be customized to look bespoke, expensive and luxurious rather than basic. Their timeless appeal will remain stylish for years to come.